Exceptional film experiences at the 21st Cinematik festival will be brought to you by the section Under the magnifying glass, which this year will be dedicated to exceptionally successful Danish cinematography. Its precise curatorial selection, focused on narrative innovation and the originality of cinematic language, was taken care of by programme team member Rastislav Steranka. Danish cinematography is among the most prominent in the world – and the selection that Cinematik will present covers a wide genre spectrum of contemporary Danish film. From artistic documentaries, through psychological dramas, historical films or revenge thrillers, to action heist films. „Danish cinematography is one of the most distinctive in the world, not only thanks to talented directors, but especially thanks to years of systematic state support.“ adds Rastislav Steranka.
„When I started intensively watching contemporary Danish films last October for selection purposes — approximately 60 documentaries and feature films made between 2023 and 2025 — I realised that choosing „only“ 10 films would not be easy. Danish films are genuinely either good or very good! Regardless of cinematic genre or type, the Danish films in the selection mirror contemporary themes that resonate universally: climate change, growing up and social integration, war conflicts and their impact on individuals and communities, fragile family relationships, the pursuit of a better life, or the refugee crisis...“ states the section editor Rastislav Steranka.
The Danish section will also feature a profile of one of Denmark's most significant directors, Nils Malmros, who will personally present several of his films at the festival. Nils Malmros primarily drew inspiration for his work from the French New Wave, particularly from the work of François Truffaut.
Danish director of the award-winning film Speak No Evil – Christian Tafdrup, speaks of Malmros with great admiration. He selected films for the Letterboxd network, The Tree of Knowledge (1981) and Beauty and the Beast (1983). „These are masterful and heartbreaking dramas that I can only recommend. Malmros captures adolescence and the transition from childhood to adulthood like no one else.“ Tafdrup stated. The controversial Lars von Trier also commented on Malmros. „Nils Malmros has made several really excellent films. So there are good Danish films.“ Trier emphasised in his own way.